The Charm Of Bollywood Movies From The 70s And The 80s

The seventies and the eighties of Bollywood were perhaps some of the most influential decades of Indian cinema. While the seventies were said to have propelled the Angry Young Man (Amitabh Bachchan) and Rishi Kapoor into the forefront, the eighties of Bollywood were quite a contrast. Perhaps what makes these two decades so great is that the films made here were neither too old to forget, nor too young to ignore. Here’s taking a look at some movies which made the ’70s and ’80s truly glorious.

1. Anand (1971)

A film described as one of the best performances by Rajesh Khanna, Anand was a Hrishikesh Mukherjee masterpiece. Playing the role of a man who knows how to have a laugh despite everything going wrong, Rajesh Khanna managed to keep the audience captivated with his antics. What made Anand such an endearing film was that through all the darkness, Rajesh Khanna’s character was filled with light, love and laughter. Even now, almost thirty five years after its release, this movie is still a masterpiece!

2. Zanjeer (1973)

While the beginning of the ’70s were described as the Golden Era of Rajesh Khanna’s career, 1973 was the point that saw the emergence of another major star, Amitabh Bachchan. Big B was picked as the lead for Zanjeer after actors like Dharmendra, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand turned down the role of a stern faced cop (Vijay.) The character which was such a hit, it became the foundation for the other movies. In fact, this character sat so well with the audience, it was one of the most sought after characters for most of the other movies released in that decade. Not only did Zanjeer see the birth of the Angry Young Man, it also saw a shift in the kind of lead roles one saw in movies. An iconic movie for sure, Zanjeer was perhaps one of the best movies from the ’70s.

3. Deewar (1975)

Although Zanjeer was said to have put the Angry Young Man on the map of brilliant movies, it was Yash Chopra’s Deewar that really established Big B’s presence in the world of Bollywood. Loosely based on Haji Mastan’s life, this film told the tale of two brothers (played by Big B and Shashi Kapoor) on the opposite sides of the world. With brilliant dialogues, a story of the ages and extremely heartwarming scenes, Deewar was perhaps one of the most iconic and memorable films of the ’70s. In fact, it can be labelled as one of the films which changed the cinematic landscape of Bollywood.

4. Sholay (1975)

1975 was a popular year. Not only did it see the emergence of another truly epic movie in the form of Sholay. Giving us some brilliant characters like Veeru, Basanti, Jai, Thakur and Gabbar Singh (also, one of the best dialogues in history: Kitne Aadmi Thhe?) Sholay was one of the best things that happened to Indian cinema. Criminals, a love story, cheeky one liners and epic fight scenes all came together in a seamless combination to form the King of all fight movies, Sholay! If you are reading this and still have not watched Sholay, then you are definitely missing out on an experience of a lifetime.

5. Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)

While Amar Akbar Anthony wasn’t the first ever lost and found movie or the first ever blockbuster, it could easily have been any one of them. A star studded film, a brilliant story line and music that was beautifully resonating with the times, this Manmohan Desai directorial had all the trappings of an exceptional movie. Satisfying till even after the rolling of the credits, Amar Akbar Anthony was a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

While the 70s were all about large films, beautiful stories and memorable melodies, the 80s were about revisiting the golden days of Indian history and for creating larger than life musicals.

6. Karz (1980)

Criticised by fans and critics alike, Karz was said to be way ahead of its time when it released. Touted to be one of the best musicals of its time, this Subhash Ghai directorial would have been an instant hit had it been made during present times. A heartwarming story and a tale resonating with days gone by, Karz was perhaps one of the major trendsetters of Indian cinema in the 1980s.

7. Umrao Jaan (1981)

A tribute to the courtesan filled era during the Mughal Raaj, Umrao Jaan was Muzaffar Ali’s tribute to a court dancer who had gifts like no one else at the time. With Rekha playing the role of this dancer, the film showed the circle of life and how even though you travel all over the world, you come back to where everything began. Bringing a wonderfully beautiful expression of pain, sorrow, music and the arts to the fore like never before, Umrao Jaan was made so well, it is relevant even in today’s times.

8. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)

While the ’70s saw the emergence of Amitabh Bachchan, the ’80s saw the revival of Bollywood gems like Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro got together a brilliant ensemble cast, the creme of Bollywood. A brilliantly made satire that talked about everything wrong with India then and today, this film was a class apart in every possible. What makes this movie so great was that it was a happy accident, an unplanned super hit in every way imaginable. So great was its success that even after all these years, no director was able to remake the movie.

9. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Popularly known for being the movie that changed Aamir Khan’s characterization in Indian cinema, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a beautiful story. One of the first attempts at an Indian version of Romeo and Juliet, this movie also brought to the fore the amazing chemistry between Juhi Chawla and Aamir Khan. Taking the step forward from the trend of heartbreaking romance, the success of this movie gave Bollywood a formula the industry milked for years to come.

10. Parinda (1989)

Vidhu Vinod Chopra just had to end the ’80s with a bang and looking at the massive success that was Ardh Satya, he just had to make Parinda. Taking a chance with a theme like this was not easy and when he did take the chance, he redefined the crime genre in Bollywood. With a burning climax and a story which was gripping to the very end, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda was a film that paved the way for future history makers.

The ’70s and the ’80s showed the world that Bollywood was not just about dancing around trees and romancing under the bushes. The movies of these eras showed us the beauty of telling stories in a magical way, giving everyone memories like never before. If you think we missed out on any other movies from these glorious decades, comment and let us know!

Manikarnika Trailer – An Early Christmas Gift

Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated film, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, is finally going to hit the screens soon. The makers of Manikarnika just dropped an extremely epic trailer! With the multiple posters and glimpses given into what to expect from the movie, the trailer gives us a clear direction of toward which this particular film is going.

The more than two minute long trailer shows us the journey of one of the most courageous warriors, Rani Laxmibai, fighting to save her kingdom from being invaded by the East India Company. A fierce mother and a warrior like no other, Rani Laxmibai braved an entire army to the very end, without holding back in any which way. Watch the action packed trailer here and now.

Amitabh Bachchan’s voice acts as a voiceover in the background and the trailer shows how Rani Laxmibai is put on the throne after the death of her husband, the King of Jhansi. With sword fighting and horse riding all in one place, the trailer takes us through how Manikarnika, or Manu, goes on to become Rani Laxmibai, a queen and a warrior. The trailer also shows how the East India Company invades the kingdom of Jhansi, which isn’t ready for a hostile takeover.

Even with all the negativity and expectations surrounding Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, the release of the trailer comes as a pleasant and much awaited reprise. An ode to a woman who fought for freedom over a hundred sixty years ago with her head held high, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi was a story which needed to be told even if it is after almost 2 centuries. Directed by Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi and Kangana Ranaut, the film also stars Ishu Sengupta, Suresh Oberoi, Atul Kulkarni and Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is scheduled to hit the screens on the 25th of January next year!

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Looking At Riteish Deshmukh’s Best Performances, On His Birthday

Riteish Deshmukh, a man known for all his rib tickling acting skills, also has other talents. Apart from being a great actor, Riteish is also an architect and is known for his eye for detail. As the multi talented actor turns a year older today, here is looking at some of the best movies Riteish has been a part of since the beginning!

1. Ek Villain

Perhaps one of the best performances by Riteish in his career, Ek Villain put Riteish on the map of talented actors. Despite being part of a film with a weak script, this particular actor still managed to pull his weight and give a brilliant performance by playing the role of a psychopathic killer to perfection!

2. Banjo

Despite Banjo being a let down, the movie was still noteworthy because of the action packed scenes which were delivered by Riteish Deshmukh. Not only did he embrace the character completely, he could also bring a special touch to the role by bringing out his Maharashtrian roots!

3. Darna Zaroori Hai

Despite the fact that Riteish acted with Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in his career, Darna Zaroori Hai was a truly captivating watch. From the way Riteish delivered his dialogues to the way he made his presence felt in every scene, Riteish’s performance was a class act through and through!

4. Kyaa Kool Hai Hum

Playing the role of a man who always found himself at the end of everything gone wrong, Riteish nailed the to the tee with his brilliant acting skills! Not only was he really great in the first part, his performance in the sequel was just as rib tickling brilliant as well!

5. Bluffmaster

Playing the role of an ameteur conman who trains under a master con artist, Riteish Deshmukh’s character was extremely convincing to say the least! Not many can play a role with such consistency and ease, as Riteish did in Bluffmaster!

6. Apna Sapna Money Money

Another movie where Riteish played the role of a conman with seasoned brilliance, Apna Sapna Money Money saw Riteish up his performance by several notches! Definitely a movie which made everyone watch it not just for the fun storyline, but also for the amazing acting skills shown by Riteish Deshmukh!

As Riteish Deshmukh turns 40 today, here’s wishing the talented man a very happy birthday and a long and happy life!

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Simmba Song, Tere Bin Is Now Out!

After Aankh Marey, the Simmba team is back with yet another beautiful song titled Tere Bin! The second song from this movie is quite unlike the first, in the sense that it is a romantic track which will make you want to root for Ranveer Singh’s and Sara Ali Khan’s characters!

Tere Bin is a remake of the song Tere Bin Nahi Lagda Dil Mera Dholna by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and just like the original, this song is also just as soulful. Filmed in the scenic Switzerland, the second track from Simmba takes one down the nostalgic road of the 1990s. Listen to the track here!

Written by Rashmi Virag and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Asees Kaur, the revised version of the song reminds one of the classic songs in Yash Chopra’s films, where the lead pairs were seen romancing each other in picturesque hill stations. Simmba, a remake of Jr. NTR’s super hit movie, Temper, sees Ranveer Singh playing the role of a corrupt cop who changes his ways of life after a major incident takes place.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, Simmba sees Sara Ali Khan’s character playing the love interest of Ranveer Singh’s character. Simmba will also star Sonu Sood and Ashutosh Rana in negative roles. Simmba will not only have Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan starring together for the first time, it will also see Rohit Shetty and Ranveer Singh working together for the first time as well! If you missed the previous song from the film, listen to it here!

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All About Bollywood And Fashion In 2018

Like every year, this past year in Bollywood was all about setting new trends, especially when it came to fashion.From bringing back jackets and ponchos, to making silver chic again, this last year has been exciting to say the least! Here’s everything which happened with fashion in Bollywood!

1. All that glitters is gold!

Move over bright reds and maroons, the year is for gold and ivory colours, at least when it comes to wedding clothes and styles. From Anamika Khanna (who designed an entire collection titled “Reinventing Nudes,”) to Jayanti Reddy and Payal Singhal, everyone loves these colours on them! In fact, even the celebrities are loving these new shades.

While the last year was all about mixing colours and shades, the year 2018 was about black and white. Surprisingly, even the Lakme Fashion Week saw a large presence of these colours, with designers from Nikhil Thampi to Shantanu and Nikhil showcasing these colours in their collection!

This past year in fashion is all about embracing and accepting the softer shades of life. With large splashes of blues and pinks, designers like Anushree Reddy and Gaurang Shah dedicated entire collections to these colours! In fact, pastels are the only shades which are always around, no matter what.

If you thought the time for jackets, capes and ponchos was long gone, then think again. From sheer capes to embellished ponchos and to embroidered dresses, this year was all about experimenting with styles from the good old days. If you are thinking of upping your wardrobe game, then you should definitely check out some uber cool styles by Rahul Mishra.

All that glitters this year in fashion is not gold, but silver! In fact, it was such a brilliant colour and so loved by everyone, that even Karan Johar sported this colour with pride! Did you know, the ever flamboyant director dyed his hair silver for the Falguni Shane Peacock Collection? How chic is that?

6. Flowers for the win

Flowers may wither and die, but as a style statement, they are always in vogue. From Anita Dongre who took inspiration from “a garden of flowers” for her new collection, to Julie Shah who presented a new collection called Gulab Baug, all the designers are embracing this trend with a renewed vigour!

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Zero Song Husn Parcham Released

After a long, long wait, the makers of Zero finally released Husn Parcham, the most anticipated song from the Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma starrer. With a focus on Katrina Kaif’s character, Babita, the song is glamour, glitz and gold all the way through!

Composed by the musical duo, Ajay and Atul, this song was sung by Bhoomi Trivedi and Raja Kumari! The third song from Zero, this new version sees Babita sporting a retro avatar! In the video of Husn Parcham, Katrina Kaif is seen in multiple looks. Sporting a knotted Bobby blouse, bronze curly hair in one look and a red saree in another, everything about Katrina is exquisite in this song. Listen to it here!

In fact, Katrina said so herself during a previous interview. “This is the only time you will see Babita, my character, in a glamorous avatar in the film.” She further added, “In reality, Babita is going through the darkest phase in her life. Her relationship is over. Her career is on the downhill, and she is dejected and vulnerable.”

With lyrics by Irshad Kamil, Husn Parcham was the third track after Mera Naam Tu and Issaqbaazi, which featured Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. A story about a dwarf (Bauaa, played by Shah Rukh khan,) falling in love, Zero is scheduled to release on the 21st of December this year!